global climate issues

By Dr J Floor Anthoni (2010 )
www.seafriends.org.nz/issues/global/index.htm
(best viewed in a window as wide as a page. Open links in a new tab.)

The changing global climate has caused much
fear, and for good reasons because we've all adapted well to the climates
we live in. Any change, whether colder, warmer, drier or wetter is thus
encountered with suspicion and fear. But climate has always been changing.In this section you will be able to learn
how climate works, what past climates looked like, which changes are in
the offing, and much more. The fear for human-caused global warming of
course stands central to all issues.

The world's climates are changing, thought to be related to global
warming. The world appears to be warming because of human emissions, is
the consensus, but many scientists disagree. This large chapter views all
issues from a wide perspective, to foster understanding. (140 pages)

Oceans can absorb large amounts of CO2 but in doing so, can become
more acidic. How serious is this and should we be alarmed? What do we know
for sure? (50 pages)

ozone holes

Not long ago scientists discovered an ozone hole in the atmosphere
above Antarctica. It immediately became a problem. What is the story, the
science and the doubt? (later)

El Niño

At regular intervals, the climate around the Pacific Ocean changes,
and fisheries collapse. It is called El Niño, and its cycle ENSO.
But there is also the Decadal Pacific Oscillation PDO. What's going on
and what is the science? (later)

In the global warming debate, too many scientists have traded their
objectivity for firmly held beliefs, causing confusion while steering society
in the wrong direction. Some have been corrupted by the flow of research
funds, but on this page they are held accountable, together with their
academic institutions and laboratories. (20 pages) The statement
rebutting 'skeptics', published by the Royal Society UK, is a good example.
(6 pages)